Gary Edwards And Michelle Jacobs In Construction Global On Autonomous Construction Vehicles

Autonomous construction vehicles (ACV) can offer significant benefits in terms of safety and efficiency compared with conventional construction vehicles. There are certain intellectual property and liability issues, however, which those who develop, purchase, or lease ACVs must carefully consider. 

Intellectual Property

An ACV includes components, such as its mobile platform, articulating components, sensors, communications, and AI processors which enable mobility and functionality. These components and their integration raise a variety of intellectual property considerations.

Technology Protection

The technology for use in ACVs is often developed by a plurality of different developers for separate aspects of the ACV. Protection for these inventions is often obtained through patent or trade secret protection. Patent applications can be filed in various jurisdictions to help prevent others from practicing the inventions. Inventions that are not capable of